Retief Goosen’s quest to earn a spot at this year’s Masters may be slowed by an ailing back. The South African’s management company confirmed that he plans to seek opinions from multiple doctors over the next few weeks, including the mysterious German back specialist who has been credited with turning Fred Couples’ career around and also treated Vijay Singh.
Goosen’s year has been surprisingly solid despite the injury. He finished third and tied for second place at European Tour stops in Africa and closed the week at Doral with three consecutive sub-par rounds for a tie for 45th.
Goosen, who is scheduled to play this week at Innisbrook where he is a two-time winner, is 52nd in the World Golf Ranking. He will need to be inside the top 50 in the ranking published after the Arnold Palmer Invitational (March 25) to earn a spot at Augusta National.